Solved Strut Cross bar info parts and install

[asc325is]

I’m so glad it clears the ac. See, my 21 xlt came with the hood insulator but no engine cover. So I ordered an engine cover. So odd.

Your 21 comes with additional insulation on the firewall. This photo is from the 21 rental I had. I couldn’t even hear the engine inside.

 

[peterk9]

Thank you for the pics. Much appreciated.

Peter

 

[Byoozoo]

Got my strut tower brace today, installed it. It’s beautiful, great fit, bolts fit beautiful, and best of all it misses the ac pipes.

 

[GEN6]

It looks like my AC lines were kind of "thrown in there" as fast as possible when the going was tough in the first model year.

 

[GEN6]

Byoozoo, does the new brace cover your oil dipstick or is that an optical illusion?

Also interesting that your 2021 strut towers are aluminum color and my 2020 towers are black.

 

[Byoozoo]

Byoozoo, does the new brace cover your oil dipstick or is that an optical illusion?

Also interesting that your 2021 strut towers are aluminum color and my 2020 towers are black.

The dipstick is actually behind it luckily.

I’m assuming your truck Is black? Because the towers are the same color of the vehicle, mines white just like the rest of the body.

 

[Byoozoo]

It looks like my AC lines were kind of "thrown in there" as fast as possible when the going was tough in the first model year.

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Yea but I think they can be gently maneuvered back a little bit by hand

 

[Cincykz]

Great to know. My 21 has no engine cover either, normal I guess?

 

[Byoozoo]

Great to know. My 21 has no engine cover either, normal I guess?

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I ordered one. Hoping to get it soon. This Website has everything you’ll ever need. I plugged in 2020 explorer - same **** as ‘21

 

[peterk9]

It looks like my AC lines were kind of "thrown in there" as fast as possible when the going was tough in the first model year.



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That innermost one is going to need quite a bit of adjustment if you plan to add the cross brace. I don't know if it can be pushed back far enough without it wanting to go back into its position and causing rubbing on the brace.

Peter

 

[northvibe]

Your 21 comes with additional insulation on the firewall. This photo is from the 21 rental I had. I couldn’t even hear the engine inside.

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The firewall insulator and added sound deadening was a feature on the higher model explorers. xlt and base did not have it. What was your rental? limited or plat?

 

[asc325is]

The firewall insulator and added sound deadening was a feature on the higher model explorers. xlt and base did not have it. What was your rental? limited or plat?

2021 XLT loaner from the dealer

 

[northvibe]

2021 XLT loaner from the dealer

dang, burned by the 1st year model again my engine noise is super loud...more annoying than anything but with kids yelling...not sure how much I hear it.

 

[Bombsontarget]

Since the holes for attaching the brace to my strut towers are not threaded I assume the W709633-S439 bolts are self tapping?
Final torque?

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum.
A few members have installed the cross-brace but none have mentioned that the holes weren't threaded or that the bolts were self-tapping.
If you go to the first post and check on the link for the bolts, it doesn't mention self-tapping.

Peter

 

[4wdExplr]

I just installed the cross brace, yes the bolts are self-tapping. I checked with my friend who owns a body shop. They went right in very smoothly and tightened up.

 

[Bombsontarget]

I just installed the cross brace, yes the bolts are self-tapping. I checked with my friend who owns a body shop. They went right in very smoothly and tightened up.


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That's the answer I was hoping for. Thanks for the quick response.

 

[peterk9]

I just installed the cross brace, yes the bolts are self-tapping. I checked with my friend who owns a body shop. They went right in very smoothly and tightened up.

Thank you for the info. I wonder why yours is blue?? Seems odd.

Peter

 

[4wdExplr]

Thank you for the info. I wonder why yours is blue?? Seems odd.

Peter

Cause I did not like the black and painted it

 

[Cincykz]

I just installed the cross brace, yes the bolts are self-tapping. I checked with my friend who owns a body shop. They went right in very smoothly and tightened up.


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Should I be ordering 4x

Support Bracket Screw - Ford (-W709633-S439)​

Or does that PN include the four screws? Thanks in advance!